Design and Technology

Intent

At St Barnabas Nursery and Primary, we want our children to become creative problem solvers who can design, make and evaluate purposeful products. We aim to develop pupils’ technical knowledge, practical skills and understanding of how design and technology shapes the world around them.

Our ambition is for pupils to learn to think and work like designers and engineers. They develop knowledge of materials, mechanisms, structures, textiles, food and electrical systems, alongside the ability to generate ideas, plan, make, test and refine their work.

From the earliest years, children explore materials, tools and construction through purposeful play. Our Nursery Strong Foundations approach supports the development of fine motor skills, curiosity and early design thinking.

We want pupils to leave St Barnabas as confident, capable and imaginative designers who take pride in creating high quality outcomes.

Implementation

Design and Technology is taught through a carefully sequenced and progressive curriculum that builds knowledge and skills over time. Units are organised so that pupils revisit key areas such as structures, mechanisms, textiles, food technology and electrical systems with increasing depth and challenge.

Teaching focuses on:

• Understanding the purpose and user of a product

• Learning and applying technical knowledge

• Developing practical making skills using tools and equipment safely

• Designing, making and evaluating products

Lessons follow a consistent sequence of Connect, Explain, Example, Attempt, Apply and Challenge, enabling pupils to build understanding step by step.

Explicit vocabulary is taught so that pupils can describe materials, tools, techniques and processes accurately. Knowledge Notes and visual supports help reduce cognitive load and highlight key information.

Pupils are given regular opportunities to talk about their ideas, explain their choices and evaluate their work and the work of others. This develops oracy and supports deeper understanding.

Where appropriate, links are made to other subjects such as science, mathematics and art, helping pupils see how knowledge connects.

Teachers provide scaffolds and reasonable adjustments so that all pupils, including those with SEND or who are disadvantaged, can access learning and succeed.

Impact

By the time pupils leave St Barnabas, they:

• Can design, make and evaluate purposeful products

• Have secure knowledge of materials, tools and techniques

• Work safely and confidently with a range of equipment

• Solve problems creatively and persist when challenges arise

• Take pride in high quality outcomes

Pupils leave St Barnabas as resilient, resourceful and reflective designers who are well prepared for the next stage of their education and who approach new challenges with aspiration and confidence.